We all know by this stage that spatchcocking is the fastest and easiest way to roast turkey. The only downside is that you don't get to deliver that picturesque Norman Rockwell bird to the table. And what if your Auntie Emma insists it's not Thanksgiving unless her turkey comes to the table with its back fully intact? Is there still a method that can get you great results? This recipe uses the power of a baking stone or steel to direct heat exactly where it needs to be, delivering a roast turkey that is crisp-skinned, juicy, and evenly cooked, with no flipping, trussing, or fussing.

Directions

1.

Set oven rack to lowest position and place a baking stone or Baking Steel on it. Preheat oven to 500°F (260°C). Allow to preheat for at least 45 minutes before adding turkey. Meanwhile, rinse turkey and carefully pat dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper. (If turkey has been dry-brined, omit rinsing and salting steps; see note.) Set turkey breast side up in a V-rack over a foil-lined rimmed baking sheet.

2.

Transfer rimmed baking sheet with turkey directly to baking stone. Immediately close oven and reduce oven temperature to 300°F (150°C). Roast until turkey is golden brown and deepest part of breast registers 150°F (66°C) on an instant-read thermometer and legs register at least 165°F (74°C), 3 to 4 hours total. (Check on turkey after 2 hours. If skin looks like it is not browning fast enough, turn on convection or increase oven temperature by 50°F/10°C.) Remove from oven and let rest at least 30 minutes before carving.

3.

While turkey is roasting, chop reserved turkey neck into 1-inch chunks with a cleaver. Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add turkey neck, onion, carrot, and celery and cook, stirring occasionally, until well browned, about 10 minutes total. Add stock, bay leaves, and soy sauce. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Simmer for 1 hour, then strain through a fine-mesh strainer. You should have a little over 1 quart of fortified stock; if not, add water or more chicken stock to equal 1 quart. Discard solids and set stock aside.

4.

Finely chop turkey gizzard and liver (if desired). Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped giblets and cook, stirring frequently, until just cooked through, about 1 minute. Add flour and cook, stirring constantly, until golden brown, about 3 minutes. Whisking constantly, add fortified broth in a thin, steady stream. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook until thickened and reduced to about 3 cups. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

This Recipe Appears In

J. Kenji López-Alt is the Chief Culinary Advisor of Serious Eats, and author of the James Beard Award-nominated column The Food Lab, where he unravels the science of home cooking. A restaurant-trained chef and former Editor at Cook's Illustrated magazine, his first book, The Food Lab: Better Home Cooking Through Science is a New York Times Best-Seller, the recipient of a James Beard Award, and was named Cookbook of the Year in 2015 by the International Association of Culinary Professionals.

He's currently raising a daughter by day, writing his second book by night (Now with 10% more science!), and is working on Wursthall, a beer hall in downtown San Mateo which will be open by the end of 2017.

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